Learn civil engineering
Want to design and build the world around you? Discover what civil engineers do and how to begin your career in this field.
What is civil engineering?
Using physics, mathematics, and environmental science principles, civil engineering focuses on designing, building, and maintaining the critical infrastructure of a functioning society, from sewage systems and pipelines to bridges, dams, and railways.
For example, for clean water to reach your tap, civil engineers must design and maintain the network of pipes and treatment facilities to ensure the flow of uncontaminated water. Before a train can run safely and efficiently, civil engineers must plan and construct the rail system with geography, public safety, and cost in mind.
Why is civil engineering important?
Throughout history, civil engineers have helped to advance societies and produce some of our most enduring structures. Both the Egyptian pyramids and the Roman aqueducts are examples of enormous feats of civil engineering.
Today, advances in technology and environmental changes present new opportunities for civil engineers to enhance the built environment. Structural engineers, for instance, design buildings that can withstand natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes.
As critical infrastructure ages, civil engineers will be more necessary than ever. These professionals will facilitate the rebuilding, repairing, and upgrading of bridges, roads, airports, and buildings. Engineering can also spur technological advancement, ensure human survival, and forefront sustainability efforts in building.
Browse online Civil Engineering Certificates
Find new interests and advance your career opportunities
Stand out in your field
Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.
Learn at your own pace
On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.
Earn a valuable credential
Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.
Certificates
Related Topics
Civil engineering vs. architecture
Although architects and civil engineers work closely together during construction projects, their responsibilities are different.
Architects focus on the visual design of a building, including the spatial layout, facades, finishes, materials, and paint selection. In contrast, civil engineers design and implement the structural systems that make the architect's design functional, stable, and code-compliant. Their work includes designing load-bearing walls and solid foundations needed to keep a structure standing safely.
How to get started in civil engineering
The steps to becoming a civil engineer may vary by state, region, or country, but most paths involve earning a degree, gaining professional experience, and pursuing licensure.
Here's a general roadmap of how to get started:
1. Earn a bachelor's degree in civil engineering.
Most civil engineers begin their careers by completing a bachelor's degree program in civil engineering. In many countries, the program must be accredited by a national engineering body to qualify for licensure.
Before enrolling, make sure the program you choose meets the accreditation and licensure requirements of the country where you intend to work.
2. Gain experience through supervised practice.
Many civil engineering students complete internships or cooperative education programs (co-op) during their undergraduate studies to build real-life skills and gain experience before graduation.
After earning a bachelor's degree, civil engineering graduates often work under the supervision of licensed engineers, developing expertise in areas such as structural design or site planning. Work experience may be required for licensure in some states or countries.
3. Meet local licensure requirements.
In some countries, civil engineers must be licensed in order to practice, sign off on engineering work, or bear the title "engineer." The process typically involves passing exams and completing a required period of supervised work experience.
For example, in the United States, engineers first take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The FE exam is usually taken during the final year of a bachelor's program or shortly after graduation. The exam is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Passing the FE qualifies someone as an Engineer-in-Training, but it does not give them a license to practice.
Depending on the state, after a period of working under the supervision of a licensed engineer, civil engineers may be eligible to take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to earn a license.
Check the specific licensure requirements in the state, region, or country where you plan to work, as well as additional qualifications that may be necessary.
4. Pursue additional credentials for career advancement.
Once you've gained field experience and obtained your PE license where required, you may choose to pursue further education to specialize or move into managerial and leadership roles.
Consider these advanced credentials for long-term career growth:
- Master's degree in civil engineering or a related specialization, such as water, soil, environmental, structural, or transportation engineering.
- Industry-recognized certifications, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential, may be required to qualify for roles that involve planning, budgeting, and managing complex projects.
- Short courses, professional certificate programs, or executive education in areas like sustainable design, business management, or construction management to broaden your skill set.
How long does it take to learn civil engineering?
For most students, it typically takes 4-5 years to complete a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. This may vary by school, program structure, and whether you're studying part time or full time.
Internships, co-ops, capstone projects, and course availability can also impact the timeline. Gaining deeper experience or moving into leadership roles usually takes additional years on the job or further study.
Careers in civil engineering
With a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, you may qualify for a range of roles that offer competitive pay and strong job growth. Find common jobs below, with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Your next steps on edX
edX offers flexible pathways to learn engineering online at top universities, from anywhere in the world, at any stage of your career.
- For aspiring civil engineers: Start with an online course to learn the fundamentals of engineering and see if the field is right for you. You can explore topics such as structural analysis, construction materials, and construction management. If you're ready to study, consider pursuing a bachelor's degree in civil engineering.
- For working engineers: Upskill or reskill with a Professional Certificate program on edX. In just 2-10 months, you can gain specialized knowledge in construction management, sustainability, or project management.
- For career advancement in civil engineering: If you're on track for leadership or C-suite roles, explore edX's Executive Education programs. These instructor-led, cohort-based series of courses use real-world case studies to help you build skills in strategic management, communication, and business domain knowledge.
Last updated June 20, 2025
More opportunities for you to learn
We've added 500+ learning opportunities to create one of the world's most comprehensive free-to-degree online learning platforms.